Virginia On­Farm Soybean Test Plots A summary of replicated research conducted by

Virginia Cooperative Extension in cooperation with local producers and agribusiness

Conducted and Summarized by:

Keith Balderson, Extension Agent, Essex County Mike Broaddus, Extension Agent, Caroline/King George Counties

Taylor Clarke, Extension Agent, Mecklenburg County Ursula Deitch, Extension Agent, Northampton County Roy Flanagan, Extension Agent, City of Virginia Beach

Steve Hopkins, Extension Agent, Orange County Bruce Jones, Extension Agent, Appomattox County

Trent Jones, Extension Agent, Lancaster/Northumberland Counties Watson Lawrence, Extension Agent, City of Chesapeake Theresa Long, Extension Agent, Accomack County David Moore, Extension Agent, Middlesex County Nikki Norton, Extension Agent, Greensville/Emporia Christine O’Keefe, Extension Agent, Richmond County J. Scott Reiter, Extension Agent, Prince George County

Stephanie Romelczyk, Extension Agent, Westmoreland County Laura Siegle, Extension Agent, Amelia County Glenn Slade, Extension Agent, Surry County

Lindy Tucker, Extension Agent, Lunenburg County Dr. David Holshouser, Extension Soybean Specialist, Virginia Tech

2016 Virginia Tech ANR­177NP

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Interim Administrator, 1890 Extension

Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.

Introduction

These demonstration and research plot results are a collaborative effort of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Agents and Specialists, area producers, and agribusiness. The purpose of this publication is to provide research­based information to aid in the decision­making process for soybean producers in Virginia. It provides an unbiased evaluation of varieties, management practices, and new technologies through on­farm replicated research using producer equipment and time. These experiments enable producers to make better management decisions based on research and provide greater opportunities to improve yields and profits, which improves quality of life for them and their families. The success of these on­farm plots is very dependent on the cooperative effort of the producer and the assisting agribusinesses. We are grateful for that cooperation. We hope the information will be beneficial to you and your individual agribusiness operations. This publication is made available each year at the Virginia Grain and Soybean Conference, at regional production meetings throughout Virginia, and on the VCE web site (http://pubs.ext.vt.edu). This information reaches hundreds of Virginia soybean and grain producers plus agribusinesses, impacting over 500,000 acres of soybeans valued at over $150 million. The field work and printing of this publication is supported by Virginia Soybean Board Check­Off Funds. The cooperators graciously wish to acknowledge this support. Any producer or agribusiness professional wishing to receive a copy of this publication should contact their local Extension Agent who can request a copy from David Moore in Middlesex County at 804­758­4120 or contact damoore3@vt.edu. This is the 19th year of this multi­county cooperative effort and further work is planned for 2016. The authors wish to thank the many producers who participated in this project. Appreciation is extended to seed, crop protection, and fertilizer representatives who donated products and/or assisted with the field work.

DISCLAIMER: Trade and brand names are used only for educational purposes, and Virginia Cooperative Extension does not guarantee or warrant the standards of the product, nor does Virginia Cooperative Extension imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which may also be suitable. PHOTOS: Courtesy of Middlesex Extension and Google Images

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Table of Contents General Summary 6 Maturity Group 4 Variety Comparisons 7 2015 Overall maturity Group 4 Comparison 8

Orange (AG XPO) 9 Middlesex 10 New Kent 11 Virginia Beach 12 Westmoreland 13 Prince George 14 Mecklenburg 16 Brunswick 19

Maturity Group 5 Variety Comparisons 21 2015 Overall Maturity Group 5 Comparison 22

Appomattox 23 Northampton 24 Surry 25

Virginia Beach 26 King & Queen 27 Prince George 29 Brunswick 30

Mecklenburg/Lunenburg 34 Other Roundup Ready and Liberty Link Soybean Plots 36

Gloucester 37 Mecklenburg 38 Virginia Beach/Chesapeake 40

RoundUp Ready 41 Caroline 43

Caroline 44 2015 Essex County Soybean Yields By Maturity Group Evaluation 45 Soybean Seed Treatment Research 46

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King & Queen 47 ILeVO 48 Middlesex rizNate ™ 49 King & Queen rizNate™ 50

Other Research 51 Evaluation Of Gypsum 52 Nutritional Content Of Soybeans During Growth Season 53 Validation Of A Foliar Fungicide Decision Aid In Soybeans 56

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GENERAL SUMMARY These replicated studies provide information that can be used by Virginia soybean producers to make better management decisions. Refer to individual plots for discussion of results. As in the past, agents have compared maturity group 4 & 5 varieties across multiple locations. This work is performed in concert with the Official Variety Tests conducted by Dr. David Holshouser and offers producers even stronger yield comparison information that they can use when making planting decisions. Maturity Group 4 and 5 varieties were compared at several locations across Virginia, including the Virginia AG­EXPO site in Orange County. In Gloucester County and in the City of Virginia Beach, and in Central Virginia, evaluations of some Liberty Link varieties yielded well. In two locations, the use of a biological seed treatment product, rizNate™ was evaluated on full season maturity group 5 soybeans. According to product information, “rizNate™ was developed to prime the seed for speeding up the germination and emergence timeline. This technology maximizes the genetics of a seed to ensure proper seedling vigor and uniform growth”. Side by side comparisons showed no visual differences and yield differences varied. In Essex, Keith Balderson looked at soybean maturity and its effect on yield. One of the tools farmers use to help spread production risk is to plant hybrids and varieties of crops with different maturities. Soil moisture conditions were excellent throughout early August, but dry weather in mid and late August impacted yields. In Essex and in King & Queen, a new seed treatment was evaluated. According to Bayer CropScience, “ILeVO® is the first and only seed treatment for Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and nematode activity. It also has seed­zone activity against soybean cyst nematode (SCN).” In these plots, the seed treatment was evaluated in a field with a long history of heavy soybean cyst nematode pressure and was also evaluated in a field with known SCN and Root­Knot (RKN) activity. Samples taken during the growing season showed the presence of nematodes, but no SDS was observed in any of the plots. A look at commercial gypsum on soybeans in two locations showed no significant increase in yield. In Caroline County, Mike Broaddus compared nematode resistant varieties to non­resistance in a known nematode “hot spot”. Nematodes continue to be troublesome for eastern Virginia soybean producers. Results of plot work done to test a decision­making aid for foliar fungicide treatments show promise. This work,headed by Dr. Hillary Mehl, took place in eight locations across Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. In six (6) locations, nutrients were tracked in the plant during the growing season. Waypoint Analytical provided the information from tissue samples taken at 4­5 different stages and to track levels at various stages of growth. This is the third year of this work done to see if there were any limiting nutrients for the soybeans.

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MATURITY GROUP 4 VARIETY COMPARISONS

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2015 ORANGE (AG­EXPO) MATURITY GROUP 4 SOYBEAN COMPARISON Cooperators: Producer: Brooke Farms

Extension: Steve Hopkins, VCE Orange; David Holshouser, VCE Soybean Specialist

Industry: Jim Riddell (S. States); Participating Seed Companies Previous Crop: Barley Soil Type: Nason Silt Loam Tillage No­Till Planting Date: June 11, 2015 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 145,000 seeds in 7 “rows Fertilization: 300# 0­0­60 Crop Protection: 1.5 quarts Glyphosate + 0.5 ounce Cadet Harvest Date: October 31, 2015 Harvest Equipment: John Deere Brand Variety Moisture (%) Yield (bu/A) Asgrow (Check) AG4933 harvest error harvest error Asgrow AG4632 harvest error harvest error Southern States SS4714NR2 harvest error harvest error Credenz CZ4590RY 14.8 33.6 Channel­ 4508R2/SR 14.6 38.1 CPS/Dyna­Gro S46RY85 15.1 35.8 Hubner H48­13R2 15.5 34.4 Mycogen 5N479 14.8 31.7 Pioneer P46T21R1 15.1 34.4 Doebler’s DB4914SR2 15.1 28.7 Asgrow (Check) AG4933 15.3 25.3 Doebler’s DB4214SR 15.1 28.7 Pioneer P49T80R1 14.7 32.4 Mycogen 5N451 14.5 27.8 Hubner H48­13R2STS 9.3 36.3 Dyna­Gro S48RS53 14.8 31.3 Channel 4806R2/STS 14.9 31.3 Bayer­Crednez CZ4959RY 14.2 29.4 Southern States SS4917NR2 14.2 30.3 Seed Consultants SCS9474RR 14.0 33.5 Asgrow AG4835 14.6 34.9 Asgrow (Check) AG4933 14.3 29.5 Averages 14.5 32.0 Discussion: Use this and other Virginia Tech on­farm soybean variety information when making planting decisions for 2016.

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2015 MIDDLESEX MATURITY GROUP 4 SOYBEAN COMPARISON Cooperators: Producer: Wayne Burch Extension: David Moore, VCE Taylor Sabo, VCE Summer Intern Industry: Participating Seed Companies Previous Crop: Soybeans Soil Type: Emporia Loam Tillage No­Till Planting Date: May 27, 2015 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 140,000/30 inch rows Fertilization: 100# 0­0­60 Crop Protection: Gramoxone + Envive, Post: Glyphosate Harvest Date: October 23, 2015 Harvest Equipment: AGCO­Allis Gleaner R­62 Brand Variety Moisture (%) TW (lb/bu) Yield (bu/A) Stine (Check) 48RD00 13.7 53 40.6 Mycogen 5N479 14.2 55 34.6 Mycogen 5N451 14.7 54 36.5 Credenz CZ4590RY 14.8 54 33.6 Credenz CZ4959RY 14.7 55 34.4 USG 74D95RS 14.6 54 37.0 USG 74B58 14.6 56 36.0 Stine (Check) 48RD00 14.3 53 31.5 Southern States SS4312NR2 14.4 53 30.0 Southern States SS4917NR2 14.2 56 33.0 Asgrow AG4632 14.2 55 32.0 Asgrow AG4835 14.2 56 35.5 Hubner H41­13 14.3 54 37.8 Hubner H48­13R2 14.3 57 33.7 Stine (Check) 48RD00 14.2 55 33.7 Seed Consultants SCS9474RR 14.1 57 46.2 Doebler’s DB4214SR 13.9 57 41.6 Doebler’s DB4914SR2 13.9 55 38.4 Pioneer P46T21R1 14.0 56 44.3 Pioneer P49T80R1 14.1 57 37.4 Channel 4508R2/SR 14.1 55 38.3 Stine (Check) 48RD00 13.9 56 31.2 Channel 4806R2/STS 13.8 56 40.0 Dyna­Gro S46RY85 13.7 55 44.3 Dyna­Gro S48RS53 13.5 56 40.1 Stine (Check) 48RD00 13.6 57 28.1 Averages 14.2 55.3 36.5

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2015 NEW KENT MATURITY GROUP 4 SOYBEAN COMPARISON

Cooperators: Producer: Davis Produce Extension: David Moore, VCE­Middlesex Taylor Sabo, Summer Intern Industry: Participating Seed Companies Previous Crop: Wheat Soil Type: Altavista­Douge Sandy Loam Tillage No­Till into Wheat Stubble Planting Date: July 1, 2015 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 200,000 seeds into 7.5 inch rows Fertilization: None Crop Protection: 1 qt. Roundup Harvest Date: November 17, 2015 Harvest Equipment: AGCO Gleaner R52 Brand Variety Moisture% Yield (bu/A) Doebler’s DB4914SR2 11.7 39.5 Doebler’s DB4214SR 11.9 34.0 Pioneer P46T21R1 11.8 44.5 Pioneer P49T80R1 12.2 47.6 NK (Check) S47K5 11.7 40.0 Southern States SS4312NR2 12.6 36.5 Southern States SS4917NR2 12.1 41.7 Dyna­Gro S48RS53 12.0 43.8 Dyna­Gro S46RY85 11.5 35.7 NK (Check) S47K5 11.5 39.6 Seed Consultants SCS9474RR 11.6 41.1 Hubner H42­13 11.6 33.8 Mycogen 5N479 11.6 42.0 Mycogen 5N451 11.6 43.4 NK (Check) S47K5 11.6 41.1 Credenz CZ4959RY 11.5 34.5 Credenz CZ4590RY 11.5 32.8 Channel 4806R2/STS 11.4 41.1 Channel 4508R2/SR 11.4 39.1 USG 74B58 harvest error harvest error USG 74D95RS 11.5 38.5 Asgrow AG4835 11.5 45.6 Asgrow AG4632 11.7 43.0 Averages: 11.7 39.7 Discussion:Use this and other Virginia Tech on­farm variety information when making planting decisions for 2016.

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2015 VIRGINIA BEACH/CHESAPEAKE MATURITY GROUP 4 SOYBEAN COMPARISON Cooperators: Producer: North Landing Farms/ Curtis Wolfarth

Extension: Roy D. Flanagan III and M. Watson Lawrence Industry: Participating Seed Companies

Previous Crop: Soybeans Soil Type: Acredale Silt Loam Tillage: Conventional Planting Date: May 26, 2015 Row Spacing: 18 inch rows Fertilization: 250 lbs./ acre of 7­18­36 Crop Protection: Preemergence: 24 oz. of Dual II Magnum Postemergence: June 10­32oz. Powermax, 8oz. Sinister, & 5oz. Dynamic

August 3: Quadris Top SB and 12 oz. 9oz. Besiege Harvest Date: October 21, 2015 Harvest Equipment: JD 9500 with 922 grain platform

Brand Variety Moisture (%) Yield (bu/A) Pioneer P46T21R1 13.0 82.1 Asgrow AG4835 12.5 80.9 Channel 4508R2/SR 12.9 80.7 Pioneer P49T80R1 12.1 80.7 Mycogen 5N451 12.9 80.3 Channel 4806R2/STS 12.3 78.2 Asgrow AG4632 12.8 77.6 Hubner H42­13 12.3 77.6 Mycogen 5N479 13.0 76.5 Hubner H48­13R2 12.8 74.6 Dyna Gro S48RS53 12.2 73.3 USG 74B58 13.0 73.1 Great Heart GT482 12.8 72.2 Seed Consultants SCS9474RR 13.6 71.5 Credenz CZ4959RY 13.2 71.5 Southern States SS4714NSR2 12.9 69.7 Dyna Gro S46RY85 11.7 67.8 Southern States SS4917NR2 12.4 67.5 Credenz CZ4590RY 13.2 67.3 Doebler’s DB4914SR2 13.4 67.0 USG 74D95RS 12.9 64.2 Doebler’s DB4214SR 12.3 62.3 Great Heart GT476 13.2 59.8 Averages 12.8 72.0 Discussion: Use this and other Virginia Tech soybean variety information for 2016.

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2015 WESTMORELAND MATURITY GROUP 4 SOYBEAN COMPARISON Cooperators: Producer: F. F. Chandler, Louis Chandler Extension: Stephanie Romelczyk, ANR, Westmoreland Keith Balderson, ANR, Essex Trent Jones, ANR, Northumberland/Lancaster Industry: Participating Seed Companies Previous Crop: Corn Soil Type: Suffolk Sandy Loam Tillage: No­Till in 30” Rows Planting Date: May 27, 2015 Seeding Rate: 130,000 Fertilization: 0­0­40 Crop Protection: Burndown: Gramoxone (2.5 pt.) + Envive (32.5 oz.) Post: Touchdown (36 oz.) + Black Label Zinc (1 gal.) R1­R3: Quadris Top (8 oz.) + Sniper (6 oz.) + Re­Nforce (1 gal.) Harvest Date: October 21, 2015

Brand Variety Moisture (%) Yield (bu/A) Asgrow AG4835 10.8 57.4 Hubner H42­13R2 11.2 56.5 Pioneer P46T21R1 11.3 54.9 Southern States SS4312NR2 10.6 54.2 USG 74B58 11.4 53.9 Dyna­Gro S46RY85 10.8 53.8 Pioneer P49T80R1 11.1 53.6 Dyna­Gro S48RS53 10.4 52.9 Asgrow AG4632 10.5 52.8 Channel 4508R2/SR 11.2 52.3 Doebler’s DB4214SR 11.4 52.2 Seed Consultants SCS9474RR 11.0 52.0 Channel 4806R2/STS 11.4 51.4 Credenz CZ4590RY 10.8 51.2 Hubner H48­13R2 10.9 51.1 USG 74D95 11.7 49.8 Mycogen 5N451 10.7 49.3 Southern States SS4917NR2 10.8 48.7 Credenz CZ4959RY 10.2 48.6 Mycogen 5N479 10.9 47.5 Doebler’s DB4914SR2 11.1 40.6 Averages 11.0 51.7 Discussion: Doebler’s DB4914SR2 was completely lodged, making harvest difficult. Lower yields of that variety reflect the harvest difficulties and yield loss due to early lodging. Significant groundhog holes were present in Asgrow AG4835, Bayer Credenz CZ4959RY and Dow­Mycogen 5N479.

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2015 PRINCE GEORGE MATURITY GROUP 4 SOYBEAN COMPARISON PLOT

Cooperators: Producer: Paul Cerny & Sean Finney Extension: Scott Reiter, Prince George Industry: Participating Seed Companies Previous Crop: Wheat with straw removed Soil Type: Slagle sandy loam and Lynchburg loam Tillage: No­till Planting Date: June 16, 2015 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 220,000 seed per acre, 7 inch rows Fertilization: 110­40­100 applied to wheat Crop Protection: 1 quart glyphosate + 0.375 ounces Synchrony XP Harvest Date: November 18, 2015 Harvest Equipment: John Deere 9500 Brand Variety Moisture (%) Yield (bu/A) Asgrow (Check) AG5533 14.8 39.3 Asgrow AG4632 14.2 44.3 Asgrow AG4835 14.3 48.9 Pioneer P46T21R1 14.4 41.1 Pioneer P49T80R1 14.8 42.4 Southern States SS4714NSR2 14.4 45.0 Southern States SS4917NR2 13.5 43.1 USG 74B58 14.2 35.0 USG 74D95RS 14.3 38.0 Hubner H42­13R2 14.0 33.5 Hubner H48­13R2/STS 14.1 37.3 Dyna­Gro S46RY85 13.8 31.2 Dyna­Gro S48RS53 13.6 36.0 Channel 4508R2/SR 13.7 29.7 Channel 4806R2/STS 13.6 38.3 Credenz CZ4959 RY 13.7 32.8 Credenz CZ4590 RY 13.6 28.9 Mycogen 5N451 13.7 34.4 Mycogen 5N479 13.7 41.4 Doeblers DB4214SR 13.6 29.7 Doeblers DB4914SR2 13.8 40.6 Seed Consultants SCS9474RR 13.8 38.2 Asgrow (Check) AG5533 13.8 39.0 Averages 14.0 37.7 Discussion: This turned out to be a surprisingly good yield despite being wet­dry­wet. This site experienced a very dry period from August 11 thru September 9 with only 1 inch of rain during those 4 weeks. However, 24.6 inches of rain was received from planting to harvest. The maturity group 4 varieties had noticeably more damage than the adjoining maturity group 5 plots.

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2015 MECKLENBURG MATURITY GROUP 4 SOYBEAN VARIETY COMPARISONS Cooperators: Producer: John Manning

Extension: Taylor Clarke, Lindy Tucker, Laura Siegle, Nikki Norton Previous Crop: Soybeans Soil Type: Appling Fine Sandy Loam Tillage: No­till Planting Date: May 14, 2015 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 140­150,000 in 15”rows: JD 1790 10’ no­till drill Fertilization: 0­30­60 Crop Protection: Pre: Roundup PowerMax and Envive;

Post:Roundup PowerMax Harvest Date: October 25, 2015 with JD 4420 with 13’ flex head

Brand Variety Moisture (%) Yield (bu/A) FLS (%)1 Progeny (check) P 4850 14.0 53 5 Dyna­Gro 46RY85 13.9 47 8 Armor DK 4968 14.3 46 2 Channel 4508 R2­SR 14.3 54 2 Bayer­Credenz CZ 4590RY 13.8 51 8 Progeny (check) P 4850 14.1 56 5 Asgrow AG 4632 13.4 56 2 Mycogen 5N451 13.8 56 <1 Doebler’s DB 4214 SR 13.5 54 <1 Asgrow AG 4835 13.3 56 8 Progeny (check) P 4850 13.7 52 5 Pioneer P 46T21R 13.8 57 2 Dyna­Gro 37RY47 13.6 43 20 Southern States SS 4714 NSR2 13.6 46 15 Seed Consultants SCS 9474 RR 13.8 58 2 Progeny (check) Check ­P 4850 13.4 53 5 Mycogen 5N479 13.7 51 5 Asgrow AG 4835 13.5 51 8 Armor 50R44 13.3 50 8 Dyna­Gro S48RS53 13.6 53 5 Progeny (check) P 4850 13.6 53 5 Channel 4806 R2/STS 13.5 50 5 Bayer­Credenz CZ4959RY 13.7 45 8 Doebler’s DB 4914 SR2 13.7 36 15 Southern States SS 4917 N R2 12.9 48 6 Progeny (check) P 4850 13.6 47 5 Pioneer P49T80R 13.5 55 5

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Armor 50R44 13.2 43 6 Dyna­Gro 37RY47 13.3 38 15 Armor DK 4968 13.3 45 2 Progeny (check) P 4850 13.6 50 5 Dyna­Gro S48RS53 13.4 55 5 Armor DK 4968 13.4 41 2

Plot Average 13.6 50.0 6.4 Ck. Average 13.7 52 5.0

1Frogeye Leaf Spot, % of leaf area infected. Comments The plots produced good yields, with a range from 36 to 58 bu/acre. The overall test average including checks was 50 bu/acre. The check variety, Progeny 4850RYS averaged 52 bu/acre across 7 replications. Three varieties yielded 10% higher compared to the plot average, the check average and the average of the two closest checks, (1) P 46T21R, (2) SCS 9474 R2, and (3) P 49T80R. Three varieties yielded 10% less compared to the plot average the check average, and the average of the two closest checks, (1) Armor DK 4968, (2) DG 37RY47, (3) Doeblers 4914 SR2. Five varieties had significant lodging, (1) P 49T80R, (2) SCS 9474 RR, (3) Armor DK 4968, (4) Doeblers 4914 SR2, and (5) AG 4632. Plots were rated for Frogeye Leaf Spot infection on 08/18/2015. Three varieties had severe leaf infections, DG 37RY47, SS 4714 NSR2, and Doeblers 4914 SR2. Seed quality was generally poor, regardless of variety. Below are photos of the seed at harvest. Highest Yielders

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Lowest Yielders

Severe FLS

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Checks

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2015 BRUNSWICK COUNTY MATURITY GROUP 4 SOYBEAN VARIETY COMPARISON Cooperators: Producer: Sam and Josh Griffin

Extension: Taylor Clarke, Lindy Tucker, Laura Siegle, Nikki Norton Industry: Johnny Hawthorne, Meherrin Previous Crop: Fallow Soil Type: Chewada Silt Loam (river bottom) Tillage: Two passes with disc Planting Date: May 29, 2015 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 140­150,000 in 15” rows JD 1780 no­till vacuum planter Fertilization: 18­40­80 Crop Protection: Pre: Roundup PowerMax, Envive, Sharpen;

Post: Roundup PowerMax, Karate, Approach Prima Harvest Date: October 28, 2015; Gleaner R62 with 25’ flex head Brand Variety Moisture (%) Yield (bu/A) Armor (check) 47­R13 14.5 49.3 Dyna­Gro 46RY85 15.1 45.2 Channel 4508 R2­SR 15.2 49.4 Credenz CZ 4590RY 15.5 34.6 Asgrow AG 4632 15.2 52.1 Mycogen Dow 5N451R2 15.6 52.9 Doebler’s DB 4214 SR 15.0 46.8 Pioneer P 46T21R 15.6 54.4 Dyna­Gro 37RY47 15.6 40.9 Armor (check) 47­R13 15.9 49.9 Southern States SS 4714 NSR2 15.8 62.2 Seed Consultants SCS 9474 RR 15.8 57.6 Mycogen 5N479 16.1 50.5 Asgrow AG 4835 15.3 58.7 Armor 50R44 15.6 56.1 Dyna­Gro 548RS53 15.0 52.3 Progeny P 4850 15.3 52.4 Hubner H 48­13R 14.9 52.0 Armor (check) 47­R13 15.5 51.0 Channel 4806 R2/STS 15.5 50.4 Credenz CZ4959RY 15.6 58.2 Doebler’s DB 4914 SR2 14.9 46.1 Southern States SS 4917NR2 15.9 59.1 Pioneer P49T80R 16.4 56.6 USG 74B58 15.6 53.5 Armor DK 4968 15.3 49.1 USG 74D95 RS 15.5 62.1

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Armor (check) 47­R13 16.0 53.8 Armor DK 4968 15.8 48.5 USG 74D95 RS 15.4 60.8 Channel 4806 R2/STS 15.9 48.7 Hubner H 48­13R 15.6 48.9 Dyna­Gro S48RS53 15.7 48.1 Armor 50R44 15.6 53.1 Armor (check) 47­R13 15.5 49.7 Dyna­Gro 46RY85 15.5 50.9 Channel 4508 R2­SR 15.7 52.5 Credenz CZ 4590RY 15.6 43.5 Asgrow AG 4632 15.3 55.4 Mycogen 5N451 15.5 54.7 Doebler’s DB 4214 SR 15.3 46.7 Pioneer P 46T21R 16.0 51.4 Dyna­Gro 37RY47 15.9 43.3 Southern States SS 4714 NSR2 15.9 54.6 Seed Consultants SCS 9474 RR 16.7 44.4 Mycogen 5N479 16.6 46.4 Plot average 15.6 51.3 Check average 15.5 50.7 Comments: The plots produced good yields, with a range from 34.6 to 62.2 bu/acre. The overall test average including checks was 51.3 bu/acre. The check variety, Armor 47­R13 averaged 50.7 bu/acre across 5 replications. Six varieties yielded 10% or more higher when compared to the plot average and the average of the two closest checks, (1) USG 74D95RS, (2) SS 4917N R2, (3) SS 4714NS R2 (4) AG 4835, and (5) CZ 4959 and (6) P 49T80 R. Four varieties yielded 10% or less when compared to the plot average and the average of the two closest checks, (1) CZ 4590 RY, (2) DG 37RY47, (3) Doeblers 9414 SR2, and (4) DG 46RY85. Five varieties were completely lodged (flat), (1) CZ 4590 RY, (2) SCS 9474 RR, (3) Armor DK 4968, (4) USG 74B58, and (5) CZ 4959 RY. Overall quality of these soybeans was poor as the wet season in lowgounds gave way to high damage including rotting, purpling, sprouting, and molding across varieties. P 4850, Channel 4806, and USG 74D95 had the least quality issues.

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MATURITY GROUP 5 VARIETY COMPARISONS

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2015 APPOMATTOX MATURITY GROUP 5 SOYBEAN COMPARISON Cooperators: Producer: Dark Leaf Farm; Joanne Jones Extension: Bruce Jones Previous Crop: Dark Tobacco, Wheat Soil Type: Georgeville Loam Tillage: No­till into Wheat Stubble Planting Date: June 23, 2015 Planting Equipment: John Deere 750 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 270,000 seed per acre in 7 inch rows Fertilization: 30 lbs. P2O5 and 60 lbs. K2O added to wheat fertilizer Crop Protection: Pre­Plant: 2 pints glyphosate per acre Post: 2 pints glyphosate per acre 1 application Harvest Date: November 23, 2015 Harvest Equipment: Case IH 1620 Check: Pioneer P52T50R Brand Variety Moisture (%) Yield (bu/A) Pioneer (check) P52T50R 12.4 37.4 Pioneer P56T29R2 12.6 40.4 Doebler’s DB5710RR 12.5 38.3 USG 7553nRS 12.3 40.7 Dyna­Gro S52RY75 12.5 43.9 Southern States SS5911NR2 12.6 42.3 Doebler’s DB5416R 12.6 38.4 Pioneer (check) P52T50R 12.7 42.2 Asgrow AG5533 12.6 43.5 Seed Consultants SCS9544RR 12.8 34.8 Mycogen 5N501 12.9 44.6 Mycogen 5N550 12.7 39.1 Asgrow AG5335 12.6 39.7 Southern States SS5513NR2 12.7 42.9 Channel 5307R2/STS 12.6 40.9 Dyna­Gro 32RY55 12.1 38.4 USG 75J90R 12.1 42.1 Pioneer (check) P52T50R 12.3 42.4 Averages 12.5 40.7 Discussion: Seed quality was exceptional in this plot regardless of variety. Full season soybeans in this area experienced much trouble with seed quality. Minimal rainfall received during the month of August. Use this and other Virginia Tech soybean variety information when making planting decisions for 2016.

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2015 NORTHAMPTON MATURITY GROUP 5 SOYBEAN COMPARISON Cooperators: Producer: Thom Shockley Extension: Ursula Deitch Industry: Participating Companies Previous Crop: Sweet Corn Soil Type: Bojac Sandy Loam Tillage: Conventional Tillage Planting Date: July 14, 2015 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 40 lbs. /ac / 16 rows/plot Fertilization: 100# 0­0­60 Crop Protection: 1 Qt. Glyphosate Post Harvest Date: December 4, 2015

Brand Variety Moisture (%) Yield (bu/A) Southern States SS5511NR2 13.0 13.0 Dyna­Gro S32RY55 13.0 5.0 Pioneer P52T50R 13.0 8.0 Pioneer P56T29R2 13.0 13.0 Doebler’s DB5416R 13.0 11.0 Asgrow AG5533 13.0 5.0 Hubner H56­16R2 13.0 13.0 Hubner H58­12R2 13.0 8.0 Doebler’s DB5710RR 13.0 14.0 Channel 5307R2/STS 13.0 11.0 Asgrow AG5335 13.0 13.0 Seed Consultants SCS9544RR 13.0 6.0 USG 75J90R 13.0 13.0 Southern States SS5213NR2 13.0 7.0 Mycogen 5N550 13.0 13.0 Mycogen 5N501 13.0 9.0 USG 7553nRS 13.0 12.0 Averages 13.0 10.2 Discussion: Late planted soybeans just really never had much of a chance with dry weather in August and early September and then quality issues with wet conditions at harvest time. Use this and other Virginia Tech soybean variety information when making planting decisions for 2016.

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2015 SURRY MATURITY GROUP 5 SOYBEAN COMPARISON Cooperators: Producer: Timberneck Farms, Anthony and Darren Howell, Extension: Glenn Slade Industry: Various Seed Companies Previous Crop: Soybean Soil Type: Craven Fine Sandy Loam Tillage: No­till JD Grain Drill Planting Date: May 29, 2015 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 180,000 seeds/acre 7 inch rows Fertilization: 40­72­100 Crop Protection: 1 qt. Glyphos at planting Harvest Date: December 20, 2015 Harvest Equipment: John Deere 7720 Company Variety Moisture (%) Yield (bu/A) Dyna­Gro S32RY55 15.6 31.8 Hubner H56­16R2 14.9 28.8 Channel­Bio 5307R2/STS 14.6 29.7 Asgrow AG 5335 15.8 21.8 Asgrow AG 5533 15.2 24.0 Mycogen 5N550 14.6 37.3 Mycogen 5N501 15.5 26.2 Doebler’s DB5416R 16.2 14.8 Doebler’s DB5710RR 15.7 23.2 Seed Consultants SCS9544 RR 16.5 34.9 Pioneer P52T50R 15.3 21.0 Pioneer P56T29R2 14.8 29.7 USG 7553nRS 16.6 19.1 USG 75J90R 14.8 22.5 Southern States SS5213NR2 15.9 19.0 Southern States SS5511NR2 14.6 16.5 Averages 15.4 25.0 Discussion: Yields were low this year due to adverse weather conditions through the summer. Too much rain earlier, drought August to Mid­September, excessive rain late September to harvest. Asgrow 5533, and Doeblers 5416 had 6% and 9% damage respectively. Pioneer 56T29 had best quality and uniformity of samples.

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2015 VIRGINIA BEACH/CHESAPEAKE MATURITY GROUP 5 SOYBEAN COMPARISON Cooperators: Producer: North Landing Farms/ Curtis Wolfarth

Extension: Roy D. Flanagan III and M Watson Lawrence Industry: Participating Seed Companies

Previous Crop: Soybeans Soil Type: Acredale Silt Loam Tillage: Conventional Planting Date: May 26, 2015 Row Spacing: 18 inch rows Fertilization: 250 lbs. / acre of 7­18­36 Crop Protection: Preemergence: 24 oz. of Dual II Magnum Postemergence:

June 10 ­ 32oz. Powermax, 8oz. Sinister, and 5oz. Dynamic August 3 ­ Quadris Top SB and 12 oz. 9oz. Besiege

Harvest Date: October 21, 2015 Harvest Equipment: JD 9500 with 922 grain platform Brand Variety Moisture (%) Yield (bu/A) Mycogen 5N550 13.4 81.9 USG 75J90R 12.8 77.5 Channel 5307R2/STS 13.0 77.1 Mycogen 5N501 13.2 76.1 Great Heart 516 13.5 75.3 Southern States SS5213NR2 13.1 74.8 Hubner H56­16R2 13.0 74.3 Pioneer P52T50R 12.9 69.4 Great Heart 500 13.0 68.7 USG 7553nRS 13.6 66.7 Hubner H58­12R2 13.1 65.6 Southern States SS5511NR2 12.9 64.6 Asgrow AG5533 12.8 64.4 Pioneer P56T29R2 13.2 63.0 Dyna Gro 32RY55 14.4 60.0 Doebler’s DB5416R 12.9 59.7 Seed Consultants SCS9544 13.8 59.2 Doebler’s DB5710RR 12.6 58.4 Asgrow AG5335 13.4 53.4 Averages 13.2 67.9 Discussion: Some fine yields! Use this and other Virginia Tech soybean variety information when making planting decisions for 2016

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2015 KING & QUEEN MATURITY GROUP 5 SOYBEAN COMPARISON Cooperators: Producer: Craig Leggett Extension: David Moore, VCE­Middlesex Taylor Sabo­Summer Intern Industry: Participating Companies Previous Crop: Corn Soil Type: Emporia sandy loam Tillage /Row Spacing No­till in 7.5 inch rows Planting Date: May 28, 2015 Seeding Rate: 155,000 Fertilization: 1 Ton Lime Check Variety: Southern States SS5213R2 Crop Protection: Burndown: Glyphosate + 2, 4­D Post: Brandt Smart Trio + Glyphosate Harvest Date: November 24, 2015 Harvest Equipment: John Deere 7720 Brand Variety Moisture% TW (lb/bu) Yield (bu/A) % of Check1 Asgrow AG5335 13.3 51 40.6 87 Southern States SS5213NR2 (Check) 13.2 55 46.8 Asgrow AG5533 13.0 55 41.2 89 Check 14.7 56 45.3 Mycogen 5N501 14.9 53 44.9 97 Check 13.7 56.5 47.0 Mycogen 5N550 13.3 57 40.9 85 Check 13.2 57 49.1 USG 7553nRS Riznate 13.0 57 44.4 93 Check 13.8 57 46.7 USG 7553nRS Untreated 13.3 57 41.0 90 Check 13.2 57 44.9 Dyna­Gro S52RY75 13.4 56 44.5 97 Check 13.3 56.5 46.6 Dyna­Gro 32RY55 13.3 57 40.5 87 Check 13.1 57 46.3 Pioneer P52T50R1 13.3 56 45.1 92 Check 13.1 56 52.0 Pioneer P56T29R2 13.3 58 50.5 102 Check 14.0 56 47.3 Channel 5307R2/STS 13.8 54 44.2 92 Check 13.7 56.5 48.3 Doebler’s DB5416R 13.4 56 41.2 86 Check 13.5 57 48.0 Doebler’s DB5710RR 13.3 56 41.8 84

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Brand Variety Moisture% TW (lb/bu) Yield (bu/A) % of Check Check 13.6 56.5 51.8 Seed Consultants SCS9544RR 13.8 56.5 47.3 97 Check 14.2 57 45.6 Hubner H56­16R2 13.9 57 41.8 89 Check 14.3 57 48.2 Hubner H58­12R2 14.4 56 43.3 87 Check 14.3 57 51.4 USG 7553nRS 14.3 56 41.7 82 Check 14.5 57.5 50.6 USG 75J90R 14.6 57 42.4 82 Check 14.7 57 52.2 Southern States SS5511NR2 15.0 56 45.3 88 Check 14.7 56 50.3 Southern States SS5213NR2 14.8 56 50.6 101 Averages 13.8 56.2 45.9 90.3 1Percent of check calculated using the nearest check plot(s). Discussion: A very good plot. Doesn’t appear to be a lot of variability across the plot. Quality was fair, with some varieties showing a lot of purple seed stain and mold. These yields were very good yields for 2015. Use this and other Virginia Tech soybean variety information when making planting decisions for 2016.

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2015 PRINCE GEORGE MATURITY GROUP 5 SOYBEAN COMPARISON Cooperators: Producer: Paul Cerny & Sean Finney Extension: Scott Reiter, Prince George Industry: Cooperating Seed Suppliers Previous Crop: Wheat with straw removed Soil Type: Slagle sandy loam and Lynchburg loam Tillage: No­till Planting Date: June 16, 2015 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 220,000 seed per acre, 7 inch rows Fertilization: 110­40­100 applied to wheat Crop Protection: 1 quart glyphosate + 0.375 ounces Synchrony XP Harvest Date: November 18, 2015 Harvest Equipment: John Deere 9500 Brand Variety Moisture (%) Yield (bu/A) Asgrow (Check) AG5533 13.8 39.0 Asgrow AG5335 13.6 39.9 Pioneer P56T29R2 13.2 36.9 Pioneer P52T50R 13.6 39.1 USG 75J90R 13.6 41.5 USG 7553nRS 13.7 40.6 Hubner H56­16R2 13.2 44.0 Hubner H58­12R2 13.4 40.8 Dyna­Gro 32RY55 13.6 36.0 Southern States SS5511NR2 13.8 39.8 Southern States SS5213NR2 13.5 42.3 Channel 5307R2/STS 13.8 35.1 Mycogen 5N501R2 13.3 36.6 Mycogen 5N550R2 13.5 29.6 Doeblers DB5710RR 13.5 41.4 Doeblers DB5416R 13.8 35.6 Seed Consultants SCS9544R 13.2 39.6 Asgrow (Check) AG5533 13.7 44.1 Average 13.5 39.0 Discussion: This turned out to be a surprisingly good yield despite being wet­dry­wet. This site experienced a very dry period from August 11 thru September 9 with only 1 inch of rain during those 4 weeks. However, 24.6 inches of rain was received from planting to harvest. The group 4 varieties had noticeably more damage than the adjoining group 5 plots.

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2015 BRUNSWICK MATURITY GROUP 5 SOYBEAN VARIETY COMPARISONS Cooperators: Producer: Doug and Jonathan Harrison

Extension: Taylor Clarke, Lindy Tucker, Laura Siegle, Nikki Norton

Industry: Participating Companies Previous Crop: Flue­cured tobacco followed by small grain cover crop Soil Type: Appling­Mattaponi Complex Tillage: No­till Planting Date: May 22, 2015 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 140­150,000 in 15” rows; JD 1590 15’ no­till drill Fertilization: 0­30­60 Crop Protection: Pre: Roundup, Authority Elite;

Post: Roundup, Flexstar Harvest Date: November 25, 2015 with JD 9500 with 25’ 920 flex head Brand Variety Moisture (%) Yield (bu/A) Dyna­Gro (check) S39RY57 16.4 46.4 Stine1 61RF00 16.1 49.2 Southern States1 SS5911NR2 15.9 58.5 Southern States1 SS5511NR2 16.9 45.3 Credenz1 CZ5421RY 15.7 46.1 Dyna­Gro1 DG32RY55 15.8 49.1 Southern States SS5513NR2 15.8 46.2 Dyna­Gro (check) S39RY57 15.8 40.6 Dyna­Gro DG52RY75 16.0 48.3 Channel 5307R2­STS 16.2 40.8 Asgrow AG5335 16.0 42.2 Mycogen 5N501R2 15.9 39.9 Doeblers DB5416R 16.1 52.4 Pioneer P52T50R 15.8 45.8 Dyna­Gro (check) S39RY57 15.5 41.2 Armor1 DK5363 15.3 51.2 Credenz CZ5421RY 15.9 45.3 Southern States SS5511NR2 16.0 45.3 Dyna­Gro1 32RY55 16.0 45.9 Asgrow AG5533 15.9 48.2 Seed Consultants SCS9554RR 15.1 48.3 Dyna­Gro (check) S39RY57 15.0 36.5 Mycogen 5N550 R2 15.3 42.8 USG1 USG 7553 R 15.5 46.0 Pioneer P 56T29R2 15.3 42.0 Doebler’s DB 5710 RR 15.2 50.8

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USG 75J90R2 15.7 53.9 Southern States1 SS5911NR2 15.3 54.4 Dyna­Gro (check) S39RY57 14.9 43.5 Stine1 61RF00 14.9 42.9 Armor1 DK5363 15.2 43.4 USG1 7553R 14.7 48.7 USG1 75J90R2 15.1 47.7 Plot averages 15.6 46.3 Check averages 15.3 41.5 1Varieties with two replications Comments The plots produced good yields, with a range from 36.5 to 58.5 bu/acre. The overall test average including checks was 46.3 bu/acre. The check variety, Dyna­Gro 39RY57 averaged 41.5 bu/acre compared to other varieties was not as strong as this variety has performed in the past. The top five yielding varieties compared to the plot average were (1) SS5911NR2, (2) Doeblers DB5416R, (3) Doebler’s DB5710RR, (4) USG 75J90R, and (5) (tie) SCS9554RR and DG52RY75. The 5 lowest yielding varieties as compared to the plot average were Channel 5307R2/STS, Pioneer 56T29R2, Mycogen 5N501R2, DG39RY57 (check) and Asgrow AG5335. In this location, plots yielding the highest also generally produced higher quality seed (mainly purple seed stain), whereas plots with the lowest yields had more damaged seeds and purple staining, with the exceptions being (1) the check variety DG39RY57 which, while low yielding produced little damaged seed, and (2) DG52RY75 which showed substantial damage while yielding well. Purple seed stain is caused by the fungus Cercospora kikuchii; therefore, the amount of staining may be related to the varieties ability to resist the disease. Checks

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Highest

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Lowest

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2015 MECKLENBURG/LUNENBURG MATURITY GROUP 5 SOYBEAN VARIETY COMPARISON Cooperators: Producer: Opie Farms Extension: Taylor Clarke, Lindy Tucker, Laura Siegle Industry: Participating Companies Previous Crop: Soybean ­ 2014; small grains harvested for hay ­ 2014­15 Soil Type: Appling Fine Sandy Loam (Left of Path)

Cullen Clay Loam (Right of Path) Tillage: No­till Planting Date: May 27, 2015 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 140,000 in 15” rows; JD 1870 (16 row plots) Fertilization: 0­30­60 Crop Protection: Pre: Touchdown, Prefix;

Post I: Roundup, Flexstar; Post II: Cobra Harvest Date: December 8, 2015 with JD 9400 with 15’ head Brand Variety Moisture% Yield (bu/A) Progeny P5555 16.0 30.7 Progeny (check) P5610 15.9 35.4 Hubner (check) H55­13R2 15.8 23.8 Southern States SS5911NR2 15.2 29.5 Hubner H58­12RY 15.1 33.6 Credenz 5421RY 15.3 32.0 Dyna­Gro 32RY 55 15.7 39.3 Southern States SS5513NR2 15.8 28.9 Hubner H53­12R2 15.7 29.7 Hubner (check) H55­13R2 15.6 29.8 Progeny (check) P5610 15.8 41.3 Dyna­Gro 52RY75 15.5 33.8 Channel 5307R2­STS 15.1 37.7 Asgrow AG5335 15.0 39.2 Mycogen 5N501 15.1 39.0 Doebler’s DB5416R 15.6 44.1 Pioneer P52T50R 15.2 44.9 Progeny (check) P5610 15.4 36.0 Hubner (check) H55­13R2 15.3 32.0 Progeny P5555 15.2 31.1

P 5610 average 37.6 H55­13R2 average 28.5

Right of path average 34.6 Farm Path

Progeny P5555 15.1 30.9

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Progeny (check) P5610 15.5 36.2 Hubner (check) H55­13R2 15.5 23.6 Armor DK5363 14.9 31.1 Hubner H51­13 R2 15.3 25.8 Progeny P5333 RY 15.3 28.3 Progeny P 5213 RY 15.1 23.8 Southern States SS5911NR2 15.1 31.6 Hubner H58­12RY 14.8 24.6 Hubner (check) H55­13R2 15.3 25.1 Progeny (check) P5610 15.1 29.4 Seed Consultants SCS9554RR 14.7 30.7 Mycogen 5N550 15.0 27.6 Pioneer P56T29R2 14.9 33.3 Doebler’s DB5710RR 14.8 34.3 USG 7553 R 15.1 39.4 USG 75J90 R2 15.4 35.2 Progeny (check) P5610 15.2 37.0 Hubner (check) H55­13R2 15.4 23.8 Hubner (check) H55­13R2 14.8 35.3 Progeny (check) P5610 14.9 34.4 Progeny P5555 14.4 30.4 P5610 average 34.3 H55­13R2 average 26.9 Left of path average 30.5 Overall P5610 avg. 35.7 Overall H55­13R2 27.6 Overall plot average 32.5 Comments Two check varieties were utilized every 6 plots, Hubner H55­13R2 and Progeny P5610. Progeny P5610 averaged 35.7 bu/ac which was 8.1 bu/ac higher than Hubner H55­13R2 over 7 replications. The entire test including checks averaged 32.5 bu/acre. The highest yielding varieties as compared to the average of the two nearest P5610 checks were (1) Doeblers DB5416R, (2) Pioneer P52T50R, (3) USG 7553R. The lowest yielding varieties as compared to the average of the two nearest P5610 checks were (1) Progeny P5213RY, (2) Southern States SS5513NR2, (3) Hubner H55­13R2. Seed quality depended on variety in this location but most plots showed only low levels of damage. The worst in terms of quality were Mycogen 5N501 and Asgrow AG5335, and the best in terms of quality included the check P5610 and Doeblers DB5710RR.

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OTHER ROUNDUP READY & LIBERTY LINK SOYBEAN VARIETY PLOTS

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2015 GLOUCESTER LIBERTY LINK SOYBEAN COMPARISON Cooperators: Producer: Greg Jenkins Extension: David Moore, VCE Industry: Blair Hasty, Meherrin; Participating Companies Previous Crop: Corn Soil Type: Myatt Loam Planting Date: May 30, 2015 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 150,000/15 inch rows/No­Till Fertilization: 12­30­80 Crop Protection: Burndown: PowerMax +Authority XL Post: 32 oz. Liberty + 10 oz. Volunteer + Lambda­Cy Pod Fill: Stratego Yield + Belt Harvest Date: October 22, 2015 Harvest Equipment: John Deere 9860 STS

Brand Variety Moisture% TW Yield (bu/A) Southern States LL473N 13.9 56 45.5 Creedenz 4953L 13.8 57 31.6 Progeny P5160L 13.1 57 33.0 Southern Harvest SH5215 13.1 58 43.8 Creedenz LL5225 12.8 55 41.2 Creedenz LL5242 13.3 57 32.5 Pioneer P53T62L 12.9 58 34.7 Progeny P5414L 12.3 58 36.6 Stine 54LE23 19.9 56 31.9 Creedenz 5445L 12.9 58 36.8 Progeny P5460L 12.6 56 44.5 Southern Harvest SH5515 12.2 57 41.3 Southern States LL563N 12.2 57 30.4 Creedenz 5515L 12.0 57 30.0 Stine 58LC23 12.1 57 30.2 Southern Harvest SH5912 12.2 57 40.6 USG 75G95L 12.1 57 48.0 Progeny P5960L 12.1 56 34.2 Averages 13.1 57 37.0

Discussion: Weed management options have pushed producers to try things other than post treatments of glyphosate. Liberty Link is one of those options. This plot was to determine if that technology can yield as well. Tough season on this plot. It was under water for most of the first 60 days due to heavy rains. Then in July and August, it was hot and dry. Six varieties were thrown out of this plot because they never came up. All in all, and from other yield reports, I think the technology yields as well as RR. Use this and other Virginia Tech soybean plot results when making planting decisions for 2016.

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2015 MECKLENBURG LIBERTY LINK SOYBEAN VARIETY COMPARISON Cooperators: Producer: John Manning

Extension: Taylor Clarke, Lindy Tucker, Laura Siegle, Nikki Norton

Industry: Participating Companies Previous Crop: Wheat Soil Type: Appling Fine Sandy Loam Tillage: No­till Planting Date: June 25, 2015 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 240,000 in 15” rows with JD 1790 32 Row Planter Fertilization: 0­30­60 Crop Protection: Early Post: Liberty; Post Liberty plus Flexstar Harvest Date: November 27, 2015; JD 4420 with 13’ flex head

Brand Variety Moisture% Yield (bu/A) Dyna­Gro 49LL34 15.8 35.6 USG 74G74LS 17.0 35.1 Credenz CZ4748LL 16.5 39.7 Southern Harvest SH471 LL 16.0 38.1 Southern Harvest SH5515LL 16.6 37.6 Progeny P5960LL 15.9 32.9 Dyna­Gro DG52LL66 16.5 41.0 Southern States SSLL513N 16.3 43.8 USG 75G24L 16.4 42.0 Credenz CZ5445LL 15.7 34.6 Southern Harvest SH5215LL 16.3 39.9 Southern Harvest SH4913LL 15.9 39.0 Southern Harvest SH5915LL 15.5 31.1 Dyna­Gro DG55LS75 15.2 33.9 Progeny P5960 LL 15.7 30.5 Southern Harvest SH5515LL 15.9 36.5 Dyna­Gro DG59LS45 15.3 34.3 Credenz CZ6109LL 15.5 34.2 Southern Harvest SH5912LL 15.8 29.5 Progeny P5960LL 15.5 26.0 Credenz CZ6109LL 15.5 32.5 Dyna­Gro 59LS45 15.2 29.0 Progeny P5960LL 15.5 30.4 Southern Harvest SH5215LL 15.5 29.4 Southern Harvest SH5515LL 15.4 34.7 Progeny P5960LL 15.1 30.9 Dyna­Gro DG55LS75 14.1 31.4 Southern Harvest SH5915LL 14.4 31.4

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Southern Harvest SH491LL 14.6 30.5 Southern Harvest SH5215LL 14.6 32.6 Dyna­Gro 59LS45 14.5 29.3 Credenz CZ6109 LL 14.7 32.4 Southern Harvest SH5915LL 14.6 30.8 Dyna­Gro DG55LS75 14.1 32.0 Progeny P5960LL 14.5 29.0 Southern Harvest SH5515LL 14.5 35.9 Southern Harvest SH5215LL 14.5 38.1 Southern Harvest SH4913LL 14.3 34.9 Southern Harvest SH5912LL 14.4 27.2 Progeny P5960LL 14.4 27.2 Southern Harvest SH5515LL 14.4 34.7 Progeny P5960LL 14.5 27.6 Progeny P5960LL 14.3 29.9 Southern Harvest SH5515LL 14.4 34.6

Plot Average 33.5

Soybean Variety Summary Brand Variety Reps Average Yield Progeny P5960LL 9 29.4 Southern Harvest SH5515LL 6 35.7 Southern Harvest SH5912LL 2 28.4 Southern Harvest SH4913LL 3 34.8 Southern Harvest SH5215LL 4 35.0 Dyna­Gro DG55LS75 3 32.4 Southern Harvest SH5915LL 3 31.1 Credenz CZ6109LL 3 33.0 Dyna­Gro DG59LS45 2 31.6 Comments The plot yields ranged from 26.0 to 43.8 bu/acre in this double­crop test. The overall test average including checks was 33.5 bu/acre. Two varieties were utilized as checks across the test, Progeny P5960LL and Southern Harvest SH5515LL. Southern Harvest SH5515LL averaged 35.7 by/acre across six replications and P5960LL averaged 29.4 bu/acre across nine replications. Of the varieties planted once in test, CZ748LL, DG52LL66, SSLL513N, and USG 75G24L yielded 5% higher than the closest SH5515LL check plot. The highest yielding varieties planted multiple times were SH5515LL, SH5215LL, and SH4913LL. The lowest yielding varieties were Progeny P5960 LL, SH5915LL, and DG59LS45. Seed quality in these plots was exceptional considering the year. Generally, seed quality is better in double­crop soybean although purple seed stain depends less on planting date. There were only minor quality issues including occasional green beans in the late Group 5s, occasional mold on few beans in the Group 4s, and some purple beans in SH4715. Overall, these beans were beautiful, round, and yellow with negligible quality differences between varieties.

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2015 VIRGINIA BEACH/CHESAPEAKE LIBERTY LINK SOYBEAN COMPARISON Cooperators: Producer: North Landing Farms/ Curtis Wolfarth

Extension: Roy D. Flanagan III and M Watson Lawrence Industry: Participating Seed Companies

Previous Crop: Soybeans Soil Type: Acredale Silt Loam Tillage: Conventional Planting Date: May 26, 2015 Row Spacing: 18 inch rows Fertilization: 250 lbs. / acre of 7­18­36 Crop Protection: Pre emergence: 24 oz. of Dual II Magnum Post: July 1 ­ 32oz. Liberty, 5oz. Sinister, 5oz. Dynamic August 3 ­Quadris Top SB and 12 oz. 9oz. Besiege Harvest Date: Oct. 21, 2015 Harvest Equipment: JD 9500 with 922 grain platform Brand Variety Moisture% Yield (bu/A at 13%) Pioneer P53T62L 11.9 83.08 Dyna Gro S49LL34 11.6 81.84 Pioneer 95L01 12.3 79.71 Great Heart GT­501CLS 12.0 78.33 Dyna Gro X52LL66 11.4 73.65 Great Heart GX­4515 12.0 73.14 Credenz CZ5445LL 12.1 71.27 Credenz CZ4748LL 13.0 71.12 Average: 76.52 Discussion: There should be little doubt that Liberty Link genetics are as good as Roundup Ready genetics. It is also a very good tool for controlling resistance in weeds in soybeans. Use this and other Virginia Tech Liberty Link soybean variety information when making planting decisions for 2016.

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2015 ROUNDUP READY VARIETY COMPARISON Cooperators: Producer: Danny Pittard

Extension: Taylor Clarke, Lindy Tucker Industry: Danny Pittard, Meherrin Previous Crop: Wheat Soil Type: Appling Fine Sandy Loam Tillage: No­till Planting Date: July 9, 2015 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 240,000 in 7.5” rows with JD 1790 10’ no­till drill Fertilization: None Crop Protection: Pre: Roundup PowerMax and Envive;

Post: Roundup PowerMax Harvest Date: November 24, 2015; JD 9400 with 18’ flex head (218) Brand Variety Moisture% Yield (bu/A) Notes Asgrow AG5535 12.7 32.4 Tawny NK (Check) S56­G6 12.9 33.1 Tawny Asgrow AG5831 13.0 33.2 Tawny Progeny P5555RY 13.3 33.1 Tawny/lodged Asgrow AG5533 13.1 33.3 grey Progeny P5610RY 13.2 33.5 grey NK S59­A5 12.9 29.9 Tawny NK (Check) S56­G6 13.1 32.8 Tawny Asgrow AG5233 12.9 33.4 grey Progeny P5752RY 12.8 29.7 Tawny NK S52­Y2 13.3 30.9 grey Pioneer P56T03R 13.0 26.7 Tawny Credenz HBK5421 13.2 28.5 grey Asgrow AG5335 13.2 35.3 light tawny NK (Check) S56­G6 13.4 30.1 Tawny Asgrow AG5633 13.2 29.0 Tawny Asgrow AG5935 13.1 34.0 Tawny Progeny P6215RY 13.7 23.4 Tawny NK S61­Q2 13.7 30.0 Tawny Asgrow AG5732 14.0 31.5 Tawny/lodged NK (Check) S56­G6 13.8 30.8 Tawny Asgrow AG5535 13.3 28.8 Tawny Plot Average 13.2 31.1 NK (Check) Average S56­G6 13.3 31.7

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Comments These plots produced consistent yields, ranging from 23 to 35 bu/acre. The overall test average including checks was 31.1 bu/acre. The check variety, NK 56­G6 averaged 31.7 bu/acre across 4 replications. Three varieties yielded 5% higher relative to the plot average, the check average and the average of the two closest checks, (1) AG5233, (2) AG5335, and (3) AG5935. Two varieties yielded 10% less compared to the plot average, the check average, and the average of the two closest checks, (1) Progeny P6215RY, (2) Pioneer P56T03R. Two varieties had some lodging, (1) AG5732, (2) Progeny P5555RY, even though the plot was planted late and experienced some dry conditions.

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2015 CAROLINE NEMATODE RESISTANT SOYBEAN VARIETAL COMPARISON

Cooperators: Producer: Mike Broaddus Extension: Mike Broaddus, ANR Caroline; Keith Balderson, ANR Essex Stephanie Romelczyk, ANR Westmoreland Christine O’Keefe, ANR Richmond Co. Industry: Bryan Dillehay, Asgrow Seed Previous Crop: Corn Soil Type: Slagle­Kempsville Sandy Loam Tillage Disk (2x) Planting Equipment: John Deere 7000 Planting Date: June 10, 2015 Varieties: Asgrow AG4633; Asgrow AG4730 (check) Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 160,000 seeds/acre; 36” rows Fertilization: 11­52­50 Broadcast­May 29, 2015 Crop Protection: Burndown: June 1: Roundup PowerMAX @ 1 qt. /A. Post: July 14: Roundup PowerMAX @ 1 qt. /A. Harvest Date: November 17, 2015 Harvest Equipment: Gleaner L2 with 18 foot flex head Variety SCN Resistance Replication Moisture (%)1 Yield (bu/A)1 Asgrow AG4633 Moderate ­ Race 3 1 13.1 31.2 Asgrow AG4730 None 1 13.5 30.7 Asgrow AG4633 Moderate ­ Race 3 2 13.7 32.2 Asgrow AG4730 None 2 13.7 32.5 Asgrow AG4633 Moderate ­ Race 3 3 13.0 29.3 Asgrow AG4730 None 3 13.4 34.1 Asgrow AG4633 Moderate ­ Race 3 4 13.2 33.3 Asgrow AG4730 None 4 13.3 36.6 Asgrow AG4633 Average 13.3 A 31.5 A Asgrow AG4730 Average 13.5 A 33.5 A 1Means followed by the same letter are not different (P=0.10).

Discussion: Nematode assay performed the year prior in several hotspot areas when the field was in corn. The assay showed 420 SCN, 15 Cysts, 40 Spiral and 40 Lance nematodes per 500 ml of soil, so nematodes were a definite and obvious problem. As with most fields with nematode problems, there were obvious visual “hotspots” randomly throughout this test plot. AG4633 is moderately resistant to Race 3 soybean cyst nematodes, while AG4730 is susceptible. The yield data appears to show very little difference in yields of the two varieties and were therefore insignificant. The two varieties tested in this plot also looked very similar throughout the nematode hotspots. There is a possibility that the nematodes in this field are some other race than Race 3.

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2015 CAROLINE NEMATODE RESISTANT SOYBEAN VARIETAL COMPARISON

Cooperators: Producer: Mike Broaddus Extension: Mike Broaddus, ANR Caroline Keith Balderson, ANR Essex Stephanie Romelczyk, ANR Westmoreland Christine O’Keefe, ANR Richmond Industry: Bryan Dillehay, Asgrow Seed Previous Crop: Corn Soil Type: Slagle­Kempsville Sandy Loam Tillage Disk (2x) Planting Equipment: John Deere 7000 Planting Date: June 10, 2015 Varieties compared: Asgrow AG4835; Asgrow AG4730 (check) Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 160,000 seeds/acre; 36” rows Fertilization: 11­52­50; Broadcast­May 29, 2015 Crop Protection: Burndown: June 1; Roundup PowerMAX @ 1 qt. /A. Post: July 14; Roundup PowerMAX @ 1 qt. /A. Harvest Date: November 17, 2015 Harvest Equipment: Gleaner L2 with 18 foot flex head

Variety SCN Resistance Replication Moisture (%)1 Yield (bu/A)1 Asgrow AG4835 Moderate ­ Race 3 1 13.1 27.9 Asgrow AG4730 Susceptible 1 13.3 25.7 Asgrow AG4835 Moderate ­ Race 3 2 13.4 30.1 Asgrow AG4730 Susceptible 2 13.7 32.3 Asgrow AG4835 Moderate ­ Race 3 3 13.5 33.5 Asgrow AG4730 Susceptible 3 13.5 31.4 Asgrow AG4835 Moderate ­ Race 3 4 13.6 31.1 Asgrow AG4730 Susceptible 4 13.3 33.6 Asgrow AG4835 Moderate ­ Race 3 5 13.5 34.3 Asgrow AG4730 Susceptible 5 13.5 35.5 Asgrow AG4835 Moderate ­ Race 3 Average 13.4 A 31.4 A Asgrow AG4730 Susceptible Average 13.5 A 31.7 A 1Means followed by the same letter are not different (P=0.10).

Discussion: Nematode analysis performed in prior years in several hotspots in field when the field was in corn. Assay results showed 420 SCN, 15 Cysts, 40 Spiral and 40 Lance nematodes per 500 ml of soil. As with most fields with nematode problems, there were “hotspots” randomly throughout this test plot. Although the yield data doesn’t show the nematode resistant variety consistently outperforming the check, it was very obvious throughout these nematode hotspots that the AG4835 grew taller and had a much better stand than the check. (AG4835 has moderate resistance to Race 3 soybean cyst nematodes, AG4730 is a susceptible variety). There is no significant difference in yields. There is a possibility that the nematodes in this field are of some other race than Race 3.

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2015 ESSEX COUNTY SOYBEAN YIELDS BY MATURITY GROUP EVALUATION Cooperators: Extension: Keith Balderson, VCE­Essex Producer: Tyler Franklin Planted: May 12, 2015 Harvested: October 8, 2015

One of the tools farmers use to help spread production risk is to plant hybrids and varieties of crops with different maturities. The above chart shows yields for different soybean maturities planted full­season (early May) in upper Essex County during 2015. These soybeans were managed for high yields. Fertilization, foliar nutrition and fungicides were applied timely. Soil moisture conditions were excellent throughout early August, but dry weather in mid and late August impacted yields. In general, the earlier maturities yielded the highest, which makes sense given the late season dry conditions. These results reinforce that producers should be planting multiple maturities of crops to help spread production risk. It should be noted that late group 3 and early group 4 soybeans planted full­season in eastern Virginia are at more risk for seed quality issues because those varieties are subject to maturing during warm and humid conditions, which contribute to seed quality issues.

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SOYBEAN SEED TREATMENT RESEARCH

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2015 KING & QUEEN ILeVO® SOYBEAN SEED TREATMENT EVALUATION

Cooperators: Producer: Howard Chandler Extension: David Moore, VCE­Middlesex Taylor Sabo, Summer Intern Industry: Bayer CropScience Previous Crop: Soybeans Soil Type: Suffolk and Emporia Sandy Loams Planting Date: May 18, 2015 (No­Till) Variety: Bayer­Credenz CZ4959RY Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 180,000/14 inch rows Fertilization: Foliar Micro 581 Crop Protection: Burndown: Roundup + Envive + 2,4­D Post: Steed + First Rate Harvest Date: October 20, 2015 Harvest Equipment: John Deere 9760 STS

Seed Treatment Rep. M (%)1 TW (lb/bu)1 Yield (bu/A)1 Evergol Energy + Poncho/VOTiVO 1 13.1 57 58.4 Evergol Energy + Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO® 1 12.9 57 59.2

Evergol Energy + Poncho/VOTiVO 2 12.8 57 58.4 Evergol Energy + Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO® 2 12.6 58 55.9

Evergol Energy + Poncho/VOTiVO 3 12.5 57 60.2 Evergol Energy + Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO® 3 12.4 57 56.6

Evergol Energy + Poncho/VOTiVO 4 12.1 57 55.0 Evergol Energy + Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO® 4 12.1 57 55.6

Evergol Energy + Poncho/VOTiVO 5 12.2 57 54.7 Evergol Energy + Poncho/VOTiVO + ILeVO® 5 12.2 57 52.1

Evergol Energy + Poncho/VOTiVO Avg. 12.6 A 57.2 A 57.2 A Evergol Energy + Poncho/VOTiVO/ILeVO® Avg. 12.4 B 57.0 A 56.0 A 1Means followed by the same letter are not significantly different (P=0.10).

Discussion: ILeVO is a new seed treatment from Bayer Crop Science that will reduce the incidence of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and will help manage nematode populations. (Nematode populations have been found to play a part in the spread of SDS). This field has shown signs of SDS in previous years. In this test, side by side replicate comparisons were done with the same variety treated in different ways. CZ4959RY has moderate resistance to SDS and Race 3 Cyst Nematodes (SCN). Nematode samples in this field showed low levels of SCN and Root Knot (RKN) shortly after planting (June), but very high numbers of RKN, Spiral and Ring nematodes at harvest in October. In this test, with nematodes present, there is no significant increase in yield when using the ILeVO treated seed. There were no signs of SDS during the growing season.

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2015 EVALUATION OF ILeVO® SEED TREATMENT ON IRRIGATED SOYBEAN Cooperators: Producer: Cloverfield Enterprises Extension: Keith Balderson, VCE­Essex Taylor Sabo, VCE Summer Intern Previous Crop: Barley Soil Type: Bojac sandy loam Tillage No­till Planting Date: June 9, 2015 Variety: Credenz CZ4959RY Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 110,000 plants per acre in 15 inch rows Fertilization: 22­104­130 per acre in fall prior to barley planting August 19; 1 qt./A.boron and 1qt. per acre manganese Crop Protection: June 23; 3 pts. /A Warrant and 32 oz. /A. Touchdown July 18; 30 oz. /A. Touchdown

August 19; 9 oz. /A. Quadris Top and 3 oz. /A. Tombstone Harvest Date: November 23, 2015 Harvest Equipment: Case IH 9240 Treatment Rep. Moisture (%)1 Yield (bu/A)1 EverGol Energy + Poncho/Votivo 1 14.5 34.0 EverGol Energy +Poncho/Votivo + ILeVO® 1 14.3 40.7

EverGol Energy + Poncho/Votivo 2 13.8 47.9 EverGol Energy + Poncho/Votivo + ILeVO® 2 14.2 45.0

EverGol Energy + Poncho/Votivo 3 14.0 45.9 EverGol Energy + Poncho/Votivo + ILeVO® 3 14.2 44.7

EverGol Energy + Poncho/Votivo Avg. 14.1 A 42.6 A EverGol Energy + Poncho/Votivo + ILeVO® Avg. 14.2 A 43.5 A 1Means followed by the same letter are not significantly different (P=0.10). Discussion: ILeVO® is a seed treatment from Bayer CropScience. According to the Bayer CropScience webiste, “ILeVO® is the first and only seed treatment for Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and nematode activity. It also has seed­zone activity against soybean cyst nematode (SCN) – two of the most yield­robbing pests in soybeans.” In this plot the seed treatment was evaluated on a soybean variety with PI88788 soybean cyst nematode resistance in a field with a long history of heavy soybean cyst nematode pressure. Soil samples taken during the growing season showed the presence of SCN, but no SDS was observed in any of the plots. There was no statistical difference in yields of either treatment.

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2015 MIDDLESEX rizNate™ SOYBEAN SEED TREATMENT TEST Cooperators: Producer: Jason Benton Extension: David Moore, VCE Industry: Renwood Farms, Inc. Previous Crop: Corn Soil Type: Eunola & Myatt Loams Tillage No­Till Planting Date: May 25, 2015 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 180,000 in 7.5 inch rows Fertilization: 0­40­80 Crop Protection: Burndown: Gramoxone + 2,4­D Post: Glyphosate Harvest Date: November 13, 2015 Harvest Equipment: AGCO Gleaner R62 Treatment Moisture% Yield (bu/A) Untreated USG 7553nRS 13.1 47.1 Check­Asgrow AG 5332 13.0 46.4 Treated USG 7553nRS 13.1 45.6 Discussion: Soybean nutritionals and biologicals are what marketing soybean seed is all about. Keep in mind, this is one side­by­side strip comparison. Here, there is little yield difference in any of these strips. The comparison strips were 830 feet long and most likely the field expressed some decreasing of yield as we proceeded across it. The rizNate™ label says, “rizNate™ is a biological seed treatment developed to prime the seed for speeding up the germination and emergence timeline”. “This technology maximizes the genetics of a seed to ensure proper seedling vigor and uniform growth”. It also acts as an incoulant. This technology is compared additionally in the King & Queen Group 5 soybean plot. Use this and other Virginia Tech replicated soybean research when making planting decisions for 2016.

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2015 KING & QUEEN rizNate™ SOYBEAN TREATMENT PLOT Cooperators: Producer: Craig Leggett Extension: David Moore, VCE­Middlesex Taylor Sabo, VCE Summer Intern Industry: Renwood Farms Previous Crop: Corn Soil Type: Emporia Sandy Loam Tillage No­Till in 7.5 inch rows Planting Date: May 28, 2015 Variety: USG 7553nRS Seeding Rate: 155,000 seed Fertilization: 1 Ton Lime Crop Protection: Burndown: Glyphosate + 2, 4­D Post: Brandt Smart Trio + Glyphosate Harvest Date: November 24, 2015 Harvest Equipment: John Deere 7720 Treatment Moisture% Yield (bu/A) Untreated USG 7553NRS 13.3 41.0 Check­SS5213NR2 13.8 46.7 USG 7553nRS w/rizNate™ 13.0 44.4 Discussion: Soybean nutritionals and biologicals have become popular with some farmers. Keep in mind, this is one side­by­side strip comparison. Here, the comparison strips were 650 feet long and fairly sandy. The rizNate™ label says, “rizNate™ is a biological seed treatment developed to prime the seed for speeding up the germination and emergence timeline”. “This technology maximizes the genetics of a seed to ensure proper seedling vigor and uniform growth”. it also acts as an inoculant. In this particular test, there was no visual difference on the plots, but there was some difference in yield in favor of the treatment; however, in the combined results of the two tests that were done, there is no significant difference noted. This technology is compared additionally in a Middlesex soybean plot. Use this and other Virginia Tech replicated soybean research when making planting decisions for 2016.

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Other Research

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2015 EVALUATION OF GYPSUM APPLICATION TO SOYBEANS Cooperators: Producer: Keith Balderson Extension: Keith Balderson, VCE­Essex Industry: Philip Henley, Ameropa, North America Previous Crop: Wheat/Soybean Double Crop Soil Type: Suffolk sandy loam Tillage No­till Planting Date: May 5, 2015 Variety: Dyna­Gro 48RS53 Seeding Rate/Row Spacing: 110,000 plants per acre in 7.5 inch rows Fertilization: 11­52­60 per acre Crop Protection: Burndown: Roundup Pre­emergence: Canopy EX Post­emergence: Touchdown and Synchrony Harvest Date: October 12, 2015 Harvest Equipment: John Deere 7720

Treatment Replication Moisture% Yield (bu/A at 13%) Check 1 12.7 62.7 Sul4R­Plus 1 12.5 61.4

Sul4R­Plus 2 12.4 60.3 Check 2 12.5 55.4

Average Check 12.6 A 59.1 A Average Sul4R­Plus 12.6 A 60.9 A Discussion: The need for sulfur fertilization on corn and small grains has increased dramatically over the past couple of decades as the average annual sulfate deposition from precipitation has been reduced. There has been very little work done on sulfur fertilization of soybeans. The purpose of this plot was to evaluate the application of a gypsum product, Sul4R­Plus, that is 17% sulfur and 21% calcium. The product was applied at the rate of 100 pounds per acre on May 16th just after the soybeans emerged. The sulfur is in the sulfate form, which is readily available for crop uptake. A soil sample taken just prior to applications showed a sulfur level of 14 ppm. The field has history of good sulfur fertilization to both the corn and small grain crops. There was no statistical difference in yield between the 2 treatments.

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NUTRITIONAL CONTENT OF SOYBEANS DURING GROWING SEASON Background: This is the third year of field work that was initiated to better understand the nutrient content of soybean plants during the growing season. Overall, the purpose of this study is to find effective practices that result in optimal soybean yields in Virginia; especially in double­crop situations. Soil samples were taken at planting prior to any fertilization and tissue samples were taken at various growth stages and mailed to Waypoint Analytical to determine nutritional content. Results of the tissue samples help us to better understand the nutritional need of the plant at various stages of growth. Results also help us understand if additional foliar “nutritionals” are needed. The chart below shows the nutritional deficiencies and/or excesses from soybeans collected from six (6) different locations around the lower middle peninsula. Samples 1 and 2 are full season soybeans and samples 3­6 are double­crop. Samples were taken every two weeks during the growing season until plant maturity (leaf yellowing). The samples consisted of leaves picked from the most recently developed trifoliates of the soybean plant. The sample area was always the same 25­36 square foot section of the field. Sampling began when plants were in vegetative stages and continued every two weeks until plant was mature. The following tables will follow nutritional content of each plot, beginning with soil samples (SS) and continuing with each tissue sample (T) and sample date. Plot 1 (pH=5.8) Full Season 1 Sample N P K Mg Ca Na S Zn Mn Fe Cu B Soil H M H M L VL L L VH L VL T­1 7/2) H H H S L L L S S H S S T­2 (7/15) H H H S L S L S S S S S T­3 (7/30) VH H H S S H S S H S VH H T­4 (8/14) H H S S S S S H S S S S T­5 (8/31) S L S S S S S S L S S S T­6 (9/10) L L S L S S L S L S L S Plot 2 (pH=5.3) Full Season 2 Sample N P K Mg Ca Na S Zn Mn Fe Cu B Soil M VH M L L M L M VH L VL T­1 (7/2) H H H S L L L H H S S S T­2 (7/15) H H S S VL L L S H S S S T­3 (7/30) VH H H S S S S H H S VH S T­4 (8/14) H H S S S L S H S S S H T­5 (8/31) S L S L S S S H S S S H T­6 (9/10) S L S L S S S S S S S S

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Plot 3 (pH=6.4) Double­Crop 1 Sample N P K Mg Ca Na S Zn Mn Fe Cu B

Soil H L H M VL VL M M VH L VL T­1 (7/15) H H H S L L S S S S S S T­2 (7/30) H H S S L S L S H S VH S T­3 (8/14) VH H H H S S S S S S H S T­4 (8/31) H H S S S S S H S S S S T­5 (9/10) H S L S H S S S S S S L Plot 4 (pH=7.1) Double­Crop 2 Sample N P K Mg Ca Na S Zn Mn Fe Cu B

Soil H H M H VL L H M VH H M T­1 (7/15) H H H S S S S S S S H S T­2 (7/30) VH H H S L S S S H S H S T­3 (8/14) VH H H S S L S H S S H S T­4 (8/31) H H S S S S S H L S S S T­5 (9/10) H S S L S S S H S S S S Plot 5 (pH=6.7) Double­Crop 3 Sample N P K Mg Ca Na S Zn Mn Fe Cu B

SS VH H M H VL L H L VH H L T­1 (730) VH H VH S S S S H S S H S T­2 (8/14) H H H S L S S H S S H S T­3 (8/31) H H S S S S S H S S S S T­4 (9/10) H S S L S S S H S S S L Plot 6 (pH=5.3) Double­Crop 4 Sample N P K Mg Ca Na S Zn Mn Fe Cu B Soil VH VH M L VL M L M VH L L T­1 (7/30) H H VH S L S S S H S VH S T­2 (8/14) H H H S VL L S S S S S S T­3 (8/31 H H S S S S S H S S S H T­4 (9/10) S S S L S S S H H S S H Key: VH=Very High H=High S=Sufficient (Tissue Sample only) M=Medium (Soil Sample only) L=Low VL=Very Low

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Notes: Fertility­wise, there is a lot of variation in the amount of nutrients present. As expected, soils in the area are usually low in Sulfur and Boron and high in Zinc and Iron, mainly due to soil types. Another thing to notice is most soils have ample Manganese in them, but due to water concerns, soil types, other nutrient levels, it can be the first nutrient to become deficient. Remember: The availability of nutrients is tied to soil pH levels and many of the cations (K, NH4, Mg, Ca, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, H, Al) can compete for placement on the soil particle. The purpose of the soil testing was to give the reader an idea of the nutrient levels in the soil prior to plant growth and the corresponding levels in the plant tissue during the growing season. Most of the tissue sampling took place in July and August. The full season plots began in early July, where the double crop sampling did not begin until mid to late July. All sampling was completed by September 10th. In almost all plots, the sampling that took place at TS3 showed that there were almost no low to deficient levels of nutrients in the plants. This time of sampling generally coincided with beginning reproductive stages of plant; the time that many nutritional foliar sprays are made. This has been the case for all three years of the testing. This appears to be when the plant is running like a well­oiled machine. Root uptake of nutrients and foliar applications of nutrients should have all kicked in by this time. Towards the end of sampling and plant maturity, most plants are showing signs of yellow leaves and senescence. At this point, many nutrients, both major and minor, will become low or deficient. The plant is shutting down. General Comments associated with three years of testing: ­There are fewer overall deficiencies in soils with pH higher than 6.5 ­Nitrogen in the soybean plant usually starts high, peaks after about 1 month (root growth) and then slowly decreases. ­Potassium levels drop slightly during season, but remain sufficient ­Magnesium decreases over time and is low at maturity. ­Tissue Low levels at Week 3­Maturity; P (FS), Mg (FS), Mn (FS, DC), B (DC), Ca (DC) ­Tissue Low levels Week 1­3; Ca (FS, DC), S (FS, DC), Na (FS, DC). Sodium is in plant in such low amounts, can go from deficient to sufficient with 0.01% change ­Boron can be low in soil, but OK in plant. Zinc and Cu increase during season even if low in soil. ­Generally, Manganese is not as available in high pH soils, but almost never deficient in the plant late in season. ­Do we need micros earlier in plant’s life? Plant has same deficiencies late in season no matter if micros (“nutritionals”) are applied or not

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2015 VALIDATION OF A FOLIAR FUNGICIDE DECISION AID IN SOYBEAN

Cooperators: Producer: Cam Gibson, Donald Meek, Glenn Dye, Marc McPherson, Ronnie Russell, Keith Dunn, Martin O’Neil, Kyle Hutchison Extension: Hillary Mehl, David Holshouser, Tian Zhou, David Moore, Watson Lawrence, Corey Whaley,

Treatments: 1) Control; 2) Fungicide applied at R3 stage; 3) Fungicide applied based on decision aid (temperature & relative humidity)

Experimental Design: Randomized Complete Block with 3 replicates

County/City (State) Variety Treatment Spray Date Fungicide & Rate Yield (bu/A)a

Orange (VA) Pioneer P48T53 Control NA 70.3 A R3 Jul 23 Priaxor – 4 oz/A 67.5 A Decision Aid Aug 11 Priaxor – 4 oz/A 68.4 A

Culpeper (VA) NK S44K7

Control NA 68.4 B R3 Jul 27 Priaxor – 4 oz/A 72.2 A Decision Aid Aug 11 Priaxor – 4 oz/A 68.8 B

Stafford (VA) Pioneer P46T21

Control NA 58.6 A R3 Aug 8 Quadris Top – 8 oz 62.2 A Decision Aid NA NA

Chesapeake (VA) Asgrow 4934

Control NA 42.4 A R3 Aug 13 Priaxor – 4 oz/A 44.1 A Decision Aid Aug 22 Priaxor – 4 oz/A 46.2 A

Middlesex (VA) Pioneer P49T80

Control NA 44.3 A R3 Aug 17 Aproach Prima – 6.8 oz 43.2 A Decision Aid Sep 9 Aproach Prima – 6.8 oz 46.9 A

Sussex (VA)

Control NA 37.1 A R3 Sep 4 32.1 A Decision Aid Sep 8 30.4 A

Talbot (MD) TA Seed TS4729; USG 75B58

Control NA 70.9 A R3 Aug 5 Quadris Top – 10 oz 68.5 A Decision Aid Aug 14 Quadris Top – 10 oz 69.8 A

Sussex (DE) Pioneer 93Y84; Pioneer 39T67R: Dyna­Gro 32RY39

Control NA 50.1 A R3 Aug 29 Quadris Top – 10 oz 49.8 A Decision Aid Sep 9 Quadris Top – 10 oz 51.2 A

aYields followed by the same letter within a location are not significantly different at 90% confidence level DISCUSSION: Over 10 years of research in Virginia indicate that foliar fungicides only result in a significant soybean yield response one­third of the time. Foliar soybean disease development depends on optimum environmental conditions, primarily temperature (daily averages between 65 and 78°F) and relative humidity (>95% for >10hrs/day). These experiments were conducted to validate a decision aid developed by Dr. Pat Phipps, former Virginia Tech Extension Plant Pathologist, to predict whether or not, and when to make a foliar fungicide application to soybean. Treatments included a control, R3 stage (early pod development) application, and application based on the decision aid. At all but one site,

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the decision aid predicted that a foliar fungicide was warranted, but recommended spraying 4 to 23 days after R3. Overall, disease pressure was low and in most locations conditions were dry during pod development. Dry conditions followed by heavy rains in September resulted in a variety of stem and pod diseases which likely reduced soybean yield and/or quality, but these diseases are not well controlled with foliar fungicides. In contrast to 2014 when 4 of the 7 trials resulted in a yield response, the number of days between the R3 growth stage and the decision aid recommending a spray were greater in 2015 (4 to 23 days after R3) compared to 2014 (4 to 13 days after R3). The total number of days conducive for disease development during pod development was also low in 2015, which may explain the lack of yield response to fungicide applications at most locations.

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